NEW HAVEN >> A possible listeria bacterial contamination has led to a nationwide recall of several pitted fruits, but a Yale University doctor says it is not a cause for high concern.

Wawona Packing Co. is recalling specific lots of its fresh peaches, plums, nectarines and pluots sold across the country over concerns of possible listeria contamination.

Dr. Joshua Copel, an OB-GYN with the Yale School of Medicine and an attending physician with Yale-New Haven Hospital, said this recall is of low risk, but may cause high anxiety for pregnant women and parents of small children.

“The important thing to emphasis is to not panic,” he said.

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Copel said his department has received a number of calls from pregnant patients regarding the recall. The suggestion he gives: wait until you have symptoms. If you have symptoms, Copel said, contact a physician for an antibacterial treatment.

Copel said the Listeria bacteria, which can cause miscarriage or still birth, is present in about 5 percent of the population. Those currently carrying the bacteria are typically asymptomatic, he said.

Wawona Packing Co. President Brent Smittcamp said in a statement that he is not aware of any illnesses caused by the fruit, and the voluntary recall was announced after consulting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“By taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health,” Smittcamp said.

There likely will not be a high number of people contracting the bacteria, Copel said, but he does suggest that people be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms such as nausea, headache, muscle aches, diarrhea and fever.

According to Copel, the bacteria was found on the outer skin of the fruits.

The recalled fruit was packed and shipped to retailers including Costco Wholesale Corp. and Trader Joe’s from June 1-July 12, Wawona Packing said. The recall came after internal testing at the company’s packing house in Cutler, a community in Tulare County.

Copel said he wouldn’t suggest a change in diet because of the bacteria. Instead, he said to buy local and rinse fruits before eating them.

Anybody who has the recalled fruit should discard it, the company said, adding that it wasn’t known where the contamination originated. The recalled fruit was shipped directly to retailers and wholesalers. The company issued the recall because it doesn’t know all of the companies that bought fruit from its wholesalers.

More information, including lot codes, labels and pictures to identify the possibly contaminated fruit, is at Wawona’s website, ww.wawonapacking.com. Consumers also can call 888-232-9912.

After discovering the contamination, Wawona said it shut down its packing lines, retrofitted some equipment and sanitized the facility. Subsequent tests have been negative for the bacteria.

Wawona Frozen Foods of Clovis is a separate company and is not involved in the recall.

About the Author

Reporter Mercy Quaye covers statewide breaking news for The New Haven Register, The Middletown Press, and The Register Citizen. Reach the author at mquaye@registercitizen.com
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